How You Can Volunteer
Local and international volunteers are a vital part of our work with students and their families. Sueños y Esperanzas staff accepts individual volunteers and volunteer teams throughout the year.
English lessons at the Center.
Interested in volunteering in San Juan la Laguna? Email the volunteer team coordinator at dreamsandhopesac@gmail.com. He is available to correspond by phone in the United States, email or online meeting through Skype or Zoom invitation.
Volunteers can support Sueños y Esperanzas from their home by:
- sharing the story of Sueños y Esperanzas with friends, family, co-workers, church members, and/or civic groups
- praying for the students, students’ families, volunteer teams, staff, and the communities in which services are provided
- making a donation or raise funds through an event
- hosting an online meeting with Sueños y Esperanzas staff and students for your community so others can learn about Guatemala and the needs of its residents
Some of the many things volunteers can do in San Juan la Laguna and the surrounding communities:
- teach classes on topics such as Microsoft Excel or other computer programs, hygiene, science, art, or pick a topic and propose that to the staff
- build vented stoves alongside a skilled mason for families in the community
- play games with and/or assist with learning activities with children in the Abejitas program
- bring hygiene, nutrition, games, books, office supplies, school supplies, etc. to the Center
Each volunteer team member pays a fee for in-country transportation, meals, housing, project materials, and donation to Sueños y Esperanzas. Airfare and personal purchases are not included in the fee.
Individual volunteers pay their own hotel and transportation costs and are encouraged to make a donation to Sueños y Esperanzas in addition to covering the cost of project supplies.
San Juan La Laguna and Surrounding Area
Sueños y Esperanzas is located in San Juan la Laguna, one of the 11 towns and villages around Lake Atitlan. The lake is approximately 11 miles wide, 6 miles long and is 5125 feet above sea level. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by three volcanoes: Atitlán (11604 ft), Tolimán (11017 ft) and San Pedro (8826 ft), which compose an imposing panorama around the lake.
Unique landscapes, volcanoes, rivers, and one of the most beautiful lakes is located where Sueños y Esperanzas serves the Mayan people. Spanish and 4 Mayan dialects are the languages most spoken in the communities around the lake.